Why I love Rufskin
This month marks the fifth anniversary of my company doing business with Rufskin clothing from San Diego in California. Having recently celebrated ten years in business, Rufskin has now been involved with us for half of their time. For five years I've watched the brand grow and become a serious force on the mens fashion scene around the world - even making waves in New York. Here in our big island nation of Australia, the response to the bold fashion direction that Rufskin has taken has been fantastic and I'm really very glad to be partnered with such an amazing brand.
In February, whilst at MAGIC fashion market week in Las Vegas, I finally had the opportunity to meet in person with Douglas Coats who is one half of the Rufskin story. Douglas began the fashion powerhouse all those years ago with head designer and co-owner Hubert Pouches. Some people might find it amazing that in five years, we hadn't even met face to face. But when you're based in Australia dealing with the import of American brands that are so physically far away, you find other modern ways of doing business. Five years of email communications, phone calls and dare I say even Facebook messages were more than enough to sustain a business relationship with the company. But at the end of the day, it's people who do business with people. This is one of the many reasons I make a point of traveling to the States and to other countries I do business in to personally meet with suppliers - new and existing alike. A simple conversation, meal at a restaurant or drink at a bar can be the difference between trust or bust. And it goes both ways.
Over a few moreish cocktails at a bar in my hotel, I explained to Douglas how impressed I was with his company's success. I told him how fantastic it was to see the direction the Rufskin brand had taken over the past five years and it's clear picture of a bold fashion future. How I thought the imagery, livery, designs and quality had all continued to vastly improve upon itself constantly with time and how excited I was for the future of the Rufskin brand in general. We swiftly realised that cocktails alone would not quiet the pangs of hunger that were taking over after a hard day for both of us trawling the Vegas convention center fashion shows and so made our way to get some dinner at a restaurant close by.
I left our meeting with a very clear picture of Rufskin, how it came to be and where it wants to be. It's these personal conversations that can really give you such perspective. I could tell that there is a lot of passion for what both Douglas and Hubert do every day with the brand and that the future really is limitless for them. I couldn't help but think of how much my own company too has grown in the same five year period in which I've been dealing with Rufskin. How much our own imagery, livery, operations etc had vastly grown and improved over the years. How our 'Live Bold' motto had such a real synergy with the Rufskin brand. I find the Rufskin story inspiring - it's a true American success story that was borne from talented and passionate individuals who put in the hard work.
So why do I love Rufskin? Let me count a few of the the ways...
- They are a brand synonymous with masculinity and they portray that in everything that they do. From the models they use, to the photography styles and of course the items they produce.
- They continue to remain true to who they are as a brand and how they manufacture the product. Everything is still made in California USA and they continue to hold this line even in challenging times where other brands have moved production to Asia.
- They push the boundaries of fashion and aren't afraid to even cross them every once in a while. Sexy is a word I feel is used a lot in and around Rufskin HQ.
- I trust them. A five year relationship with this now iconic brand has shown me a level of consistency I can trust. A brand and company that consistently grows and improves whilst allowing my own company to do the same.
